Retractable recreational net system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A retractable recreational net system includes a first self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on a ground surface; the first pole arrangement having a first net storage reel; a second self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on the ground surface; the second pole arrangement having a second net storage reel; a net selectively extendable between the first pole arrangement and the second pole arrangement; and at least one retraction mechanism to selectively retract the net onto at least one of the first net storage reel or second net storage reel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a net system for recreational use. Inparticular, this disclosure relates to a net system that isautomatically retractable and is useful for recreational games such asbadminton.

BACKGROUND

Conventional ball games for recreational use include tennis, volleyball,and badminton. These games require a net for separating two opposingplayers or teams. It is inconvenient and takes time to erect and store aconventional net for recreational games. Improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

A retractable recreational net system is provided that improves theprior art.

In one aspect, a retractable recreational net system includes a firstself-supporting pole arrangement mountable on a round surface; a secondself-supporting pole arrangement mountable on the ground surface; a netselectively extendable between the first pole arrangement and the secondpole arrangement; and at least one retraction mechanism to selectivelyretract the net onto at least one of a first net storage reel that ispart of the first pole arrangement or a second net storage reel that ispart of the second pole arrangement.

The at least one retraction mechanism includes a first retractionmechanism held by the first pole arrangement, and a second retractionmechanism held by the second pole arrangement. A first portion of thenet is retractable onto the first net storage reel, and a second portionof the net is retractable onto the second net storage reel.

In some aspects, the first pole arrangement includes a first tri-pod legarrangement supporting the first net storage reel.

In some implementations, there may further include a first net housingsurrounding the first net store reel.

The first retraction mechanism may include a first spring-biased ratchetarrangement secured to the first net storage reel.

The first spring-biased ratchet arrangement can include a release andlocking mechanism in a first ratchet housing adjacent one end of thefirst net storage reel and a spring in a first spring housing adjacentan opposite end of the first net storage reel.

In one or more example embodiments, the first tri-pod leg arrangementhas three legs selectively movable between a standing position and astorage position. The standing position includes bottoms of the threelegs spaced apart and holding the first net storage reel in an uprightposition above the ground surface. The storage position includes thethree legs being next to the first next housing along the lengths of thethree legs.

In one or more embodiments, the first tri-pod leg arrangement has threelegs selectively movable between a standing position and a storageposition. A top of each of the three legs is pivotably secured to one ofthe ratchet housing and spring housing.

In some implementations, the top of each of the three legs is pivotablysecured to the spring housing.

In one or more embodiments, the second pole arrangement includes asecond tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the second net storage reel.

The second tri-pod leg arrangement can include three legs selectivelymovable between a standing position and a storage position. The standingposition includes bottoms of the three legs being spaced apart andholding the second net storage reel in an upright position above theground surface, and a storage position including the three legs beingnext to a second net housing surrounding the second net storage reel.

The second retraction mechanism may include a second spring-biasedratchet arrangement secured to the second net storage reel.

The second spring-biased ratchet arrangement can include a release andlocking mechanism in a second ratchet housing adjacent one end of thesecond net storage reel and a spring in a second spring housing adjacentan opposite end of the second net storage reel.

In some examples, the net system is for use with a badminton set.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second pole arrangements holda bottom of the net at least 2 feet above the ground surface.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second pole arrangements holda top of the net about 5 feet above the ground surface.

In some implementations, the net is extendable between the first polearrangement and second pole arrangement to at least 16 feet.

In some arrangements, the net is extendable between the first polearrangement and second pole arrangement to at least 20 feet.

In one or more embodiments, the net has a length between a top of thenet and bottom of the net of 2-3 feet.

In some implementations, the net has a length between a top of the netand bottom of the net of about 2 feet, 6 inches.

In one or more embodiments, the first pole arrangement includes a firsttri-pod leg arrangement having 3 legs including a first outermost radialleg remote from the net being weighted heavier than the other legs inthe first tri-pod leg arrangement; and the second pole arrangementincludes a second tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the second netstorage reel having 3 legs including a second outermost radial legremote from the net being weighted heavier than the other legs in thesecond tri-pod leg arrangement.

Some examples include the first outermost radial leg being weighted tobe heavier than the other legs in the first tri-pod leg arrangement; andthe second outermost radial leg being weighted to be heavier than theother legs in the second tri-pod leg arrangement.

In certain aspects, the first self-supporting pole arrangement and thesecond self-supporting pole arrangement includes a standing position anda storage position; wherein a height of the first and secondself-supporting pole arrangements in the storage position is less than70% of a height of the first and second self-supporting polearrangements in the standing position.

In another aspect, a kit is provided. The kit is for playing badmintonand includes the net system as variously characterized above. The kitfurther includes at least two badminton rackets and at least one shuttlecock.

In another aspect, a method of using a recreational net is provided. Themethod includes providing a first pole arrangement and a second polearrangement, each of the first pole arrangement and second polearrangement having a net storage reel and at least a portion of a netstored therewithin; pulling the first pole arrangement and second polearrangement apart from each other to pull the net against a spring forcefrom the net storage reels of the first pole arrangement and second polearrangement and extend the net therebetween; and mounting the extendednet above a ground surface by self-supportedly standing the first polearrangement and second pole arrangement on the ground surface.

The step of mounting may include pivoting a tri-fold leg arrangement ofthe first pole arrangement from a storage position into a standingposition and pivoting a tri-fold leg arrangement of the second polearrangement from a storage position into a standing position.

The method may further include a step of storing the net in the firstpole arrangement and second pole arrangement by releasing a lockmechanism in the first pole arrangement and second pole arrangement toallow a spring force to wind the net storage reel in each of the firstpole arrangement and second pole arrangement and coil a portion of thenet onto each net storage reel.

The method may further include a step of pivoting a tri-fold legarrangement of the first pole arrangement into a storage position andpivoting a tri-fold leg arrangement of the second pole arrangement intoa storage position.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, constitute apart of the description and illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit for playingbadminton, the kit including a net system, constructed in accordancewith principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one portion of the net systemshown with the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of one retractionmechanism used with the net system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of theretraction mechanism used with the net system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the net system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the net system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the pole arrangements in astorage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A recreational net system is provided that improves the prior art byallowing for convenient storage and fast setup of the net. One way thisis accomplished is by having an automatically retractable net system.Another way this is accomplished is by having self-supporting legs. Thelegs can be moved between a standing position and a storage position.Another way this is accomplished is by having the combination of theretractable net and the self-supporting legs. The recreational netsystem can be used for a variety of games that use nets. This caninclude, for example, tennis, volleyball, and badminton. The exampleembodiment illustrated herein shows use as a badminton set. It should beunderstood that the principles herein may be applied to other gamesusing a net, such as tennis and volleyball.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kit 10 for playing badminton. Thekit 10 includes a net system 12, at least two badminton rackets 14, andat least one shuttle cock 16. The rackets 14 and shuttle cock 16 are asconventionally known in the art. The net system 12 incorporatesinventive principles, as further described.

The net system 12 includes a first self-supporting pole arrangement 20and a second self-supporting pole arrangement 22. By the term“self-supporting”, it meant that the pole arrangements 20, 22 can standupright without being further held or supported by any other structure.That is, the self-supporting pole arrangements 20, 22 need not beembedded within the ground or otherwise mounted to any other holdingstructure. As such, the first pole arrangement 20 and second polearrangement 22 are self-supporting and free of any other support ormounting members. The first pole arrangement 20 and second polearrangement 22 are mountable on a ground surface, such as a gymnasiumfloor, a hard court surface, or ground, such as clay or grass.

It should be understood that FIG. 1 illustrates both the first polearrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22. FIGS. 2-4 show an exampleembodiment of each pole arrangement 20, 22. Each of the first polearrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 is constructed identicalto each other. As such, FIGS. 2-4 illustrate only one of the polearrangements, but the structure is identical for each of arrangement 20and 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of pole arrangement 20,22. Pole arrangement 20, 22 includes a net storage reel 24. The firstpole arrangement 20 would include a first net storage reel 24, while thesecond pole arrangement 22 would include a second net storage reel 24.

A net 26 is shown in FIG. 1 as being extended between the first polearrangement 20 and the second pole arrangement 22. The net 26 isselectively extendable between the pole arrangements 20, 22. By the term“selectively extendable”, it is meant that the net 26 can bedeliberately extended from: (i) a storage position in which at least aportion is stored in the first pole arrangement 20 and a portion isstored in the second pole arrangement 22; and into (ii) a use positionwith the net 26 extended between the poles 20, 22 and length sufficientto play a game. For example, the net 26 can be extended between thepoles 20, 22 to a length of at least 16 feet, or at least 20 feet.Sixteen feet is helpful when playing a singles game of badminton, while20 feet is helpful when playing a doubles game of badminton.

The net system 12 includes at least one retraction mechanism 28 toselectively retract the net 26 onto at least one of the net storagereels 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 or second pole arrangement 22.While it is contemplated that only a single retraction mechanism 28 canbe used, in this embodiment, there are two retraction mechanisms 28, oneassociated with each pole arrangement 20, 22. In FIG. 1, arrows A and Billustrate how the net 26 can be extendable or retractable between thefirst pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22. When the net26 is retracted, the net 26 has at least a portion stored on the netstorage reel 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 and on the net storagereel 24 of the second pole arrangement 22.

Still in reference to FIG. 1, the first pole arrangement 20 includes afirst tri-pod leg arrangement 30. The first tri-pod leg arrangement 30supports the net storage reel 24 associated with the first polearrangement 20. FIG. 1 shows the net store reel 24 for the first polearrangement 20 in hidden lines.

The first tri-pod leg arrangement 30 includes three legs 32, 33, 34. Thelegs 32, 33, 34 are selectively movable between a standing position(FIGS. 1 and 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7, generically depictingboth tri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44). The standing position includesbase or bottoms 36, 37, 38 of the three legs 32, 33, 34 being spacedapart and holding the net storage reel 24 of the first pole arrangement20 in an upright position above the ground surface. The storage position(FIG. 7) includes the legs 32, 33, 34 being pivoted next to or adjacentto the net storage reel 24, or a housing 96 for the net storage reel 24,other along their lengths. In other words, in the storage position, thebottoms 36, 37, 38 are adjacent to the housing 96, and the legs 32, 33,34 are substantially parallel to each other.

Still in reference to FIG. 3, the legs 32, 33, 34 each include a top 40,41, 42. The tops 40, 41, 42 are pivotably secured at hinge assembly 102(FIG. 7) to a remaining portion of the first pole arrangement 20. Aswill be described further below, the top 40, 41, 42 are pivotablysecured to at least one of the housing components (e.g., spring housing86) of the retraction mechanism 28.

Similarly, the second pole arrangement 22 includes a second tri-pod legarrangement 44. The second tri-pod leg arrangement 44 includes threelegs 46, 47, 48. The second tri-pod leg arrangement 44 supports the netstorage reel 24 for the second pole arrangement 22. The second tri-podleg arrangement 44 includes legs 46, 47, 48 that are selectively movablebetween a standing position (FIG. 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7).The standing position includes bottoms 50, 51, 52 spaced apart andholding the net storage reel 24 of the second pole arrangement 22 in anupright position above the ground surface. In the storage position, thethree legs 46, 47, 48 are pivoted next to or adjacent to the net storagereel 24 (or housing 96) for the second pole arrangement 22 other alongtheir lengths, with the bottoms 50, 51, 52 next to the housing 96 andthe legs 46, 47, 48 substantially parallel to each other. As with thefirst tri-pod arrangement 30, the second tri-pod arrangement 44 ispivotably secured to a remaining portion of the second pole arrangement22. As will be described further below, the legs 46, 47, 48 have a top54, 55, 56 that are pivotably secured to a portion of the housing forthe retraction mechanism 28 of the second pole arrangement 22.

The base or bottoms 36, 37, 38 of the first tripod leg arrangement 30and the base or bottoms 50, 51, 52 of the second tripod leg arrangement44 each can have a rubber foot 104 to enhance friction and a steadyfooting of the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48, especially when mountedon a gymnasium floor.

Allowing the first and second tri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44 to movebetween a standing position and storage position also allows the firstpole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 to move between astanding position (FIG. 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7). This isconvenient in that a height the first and second self-supporting polearrangements 30, 44 in the storage position is less than 70% of a heightof the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements 30, 44 in thestanding position. In many arrangements, the height of the storageposition is less than 60% of the height of the standing position. Forexample, in the standing position, the first and second polearrangements 30, 44 can be about 60-65 inches, while the height in thestorage position can be about 33-38 inches.

As can be seen from reviewing FIGS. 1 and 6, one of the legs of eachtri-pod leg arrangement 30, 44 is an outermost radial leg remote fromthe net 26. For the first tri-pod leg arrangement 30, leg 33 is a firstoutermost radial leg, as it extends in a standing position radiallyoutwardly of the other two legs 32, 34. For the second tri-pod legarrangement 44, leg 47 is a second outermost radial leg, as it extendsin a standing position radially outwardly of the other two legs 46, 48.In the front elevational view of FIG. 6, the legs 32, 38 are aligned andare radially inward of both net housings 96 and the side edges of thenet 26. The legs 46, 48 in FIG. 6 are aligned and are radially inward ofboth net housings 96 and the side edges of the net 26.

In many preferred arrangements, the first outermost radial leg 33 andsecond outermost radial leg 47 is weighted heavier than the remaininglegs 32, 34 and 46, 48. The heavier weight is helpful to prevent tippingof the net system 12; further, the heavier weight is helpful in holdingand keeping the net 26 taught and tight. The outermost radial legs 33,47 can be at least 5-15 lbs., e.g. about 9-11 lbs., greater in weightthan the other legs 32, 34 and 46, 48. The first and second outermostradial legs 33, 47 can also be slightly shorter than the remaining legs32, 34 and 46, 48 to help with keeping the net 26 tight.

In FIG. 6, the first tri-pod arrangement 30 includes a flexible tie orband 106, which holds the legs 32, 33, 34 in their standing position.Similarly, the second tri-pod arrangement 44 has a flexible tie or band108 which holds legs 46, 47, 48 in their standing position. The bands106, 108 extend tight between each leg 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48 in thestanding position to prevent the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47 48 frompivoting in a direction toward the respective net housing 96. Afastener, such as a snap 110 (FIG. 6) removably secures the bands 106,108 to each leg 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48. When the first and secondtri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44 to move from the standing position (FIG.6) to the storage position (FIG. 7), at least some of the snaps 110 arereleased to allow the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48 to pivot abouthinge 102 toward the net housing 96. Band 106 can then be wrapped aroundthe legs 32, 33, 34 and net housing 96; and band 108 can then be wrappedaround legs 46, 47, 48 and net housing 96 for convenient storage, and ifdesired, placed in a storage bag having a length not more than 20%, e.g.not more than 10%, longer than the length of the net housing 96. Manyembodiments are possible, and in the example embodiment illustrated,each band 106, 108 is a continuous band (continuous piece of material)that extends to and around each leg as a continuous band and is held toeach leg by snaps 110.

In reference now to FIGS. 2-4, the retraction mechanism 28 for each ofthe first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 isdescribed in further detail. The retraction mechanism 28 includes aspring-biased ratchet arrangement 60 (FIG. 3). The ratchet arrangement60 is secured to the net storage reel 24, shown in hidden lines in FIG.3. The ratchet arrangement 60 includes a release and locking mechanism62. The release and locking mechanism 62 is held in a ratchet housing64. The ratchet housing 64 is adjacent one end of the net storage reel24. In this embodiment, the ratchet housing 64 is adjacent to the upperend or end remote from the tripod leg arrangements 30, 44.

Many embodiments are possible. In the embodiment illustrated, therelease and locking mechanism 62 includes a pawl 66 biased by a spring68 into a pawl holder 70. The pawl holder 70 includes a plurality ofteeth 72 that engage and lock with a projection 74 on the pawl 66.

Axially extending from the pawl 66 is an engagement button 76. Theengagement button 76 extends through an opening 78 (FIG. 5) in a cover80 of the ratchet housing 64.

The button 76 can be accessed by the user, as it projects through theopening 78 to an exterior portion of the ratchet housing 64. The usercan move the button 76 in a direction shown at arrow 82, which isagainst the spring 68. This will move the pawl 66 and the projection 74of the pawl 66 out of engagement with the teeth 72 of the pawl holder70.

The ratchet arrangement 60 further includes a winding spring 84 (FIG.4). The winding spring 84 is stored in a spring housing 86 adjacent inopposite end of the net storage reel 24 from the end that the ratchethousing 64 is. In the embodiment shown, the spring housing 86 is locatedadjacent to a bottom of where the net 26 is located and at a bottom ofthe net storage reel 24. The spring housing 86 is also located adjacentto the tops 40, 41, 42 of the first tripod leg arrangement 30 and of thetops 54, 55, 56 of the second tripod leg arrangement 44.

The winding spring 84 has a first end at an inner portion 88 secured toa central hub 90 at a slot 92. A second end at an outer portion 94 issecured, in this embodiment, to an exterior of the spring housing 86.The winding spring 84 is secured to the net storage reel 24, andoperates to wind the net storage reel 24 to coil the net 26 there aroundwhen released from a position in tension.

For example, when the net 26 is pulled from the first pole arrangement20 and second pole arrangement 22, the storage reel 24 will rotate andwind the spring 84 into a tighter position in tension. The pawl 66 willlock the net 26 and winding spring 84 in position. When it is desired tostore the net 26 within the net storage reels 24 of the first polearrangement and second pole arrangement, the projection 74 is releasedfrom the pawl holder 70, and this allows the winding spring 84 to coil,which rotates the storage reel 24 and moves the net 26 to coil the net26 about each of the storage reels 24 in the first pole arrangement 20and second pole arrangement 22.

In reference now to FIG. 2, the net storage reel 24 is surrounded by anet housing 96. The net housing 96 is shown as having first and secondhousing pieces 97, 98 that are securable together, such as with screwsor fasteners. A first end piece 100 located adjacent to an upper end ofthe first and second housing pieces 97, 98 supports the ratchet housing64. The cover 80 fits over the ratchet housing 64 and the net housing96.

As can be appreciated by reviewing FIGS. 1 and 2, a top of each of thelegs in the first tripod leg arrangement 30 and second tripod legarrangement 44 is pivotable secured to the spring housing 86.

The net system 12 is usable as part of badminton kit 10. As such, thefirst and second pole arrangement 20 hold a bottom of the net 26 atleast 2 feet above the ground surface, preferably about 2 feet, 6 inchesabove the ground surface. The first and second pole arrangements 20, 22hold a top of the net about 5 feet above the ground surface. The net 26is extendable between the first pole arrangement 20 and second polearrangement 22 to at least 16 feet for singles, and to at least 20 feetfor doubles. The length of the net 26 between a top of the net andbottom of the net is about 2-3 feet, preferably about 2 feet, 6 inches.

The net system 12 can be used as part of a method of using arecreational net. The method includes providing first pole arrangement20 and second pole arrangement 22. Each of the first pole arrangement 20and second pole arrangement 22 have net storage reel 24 and at least aportion of net 26 storage therewithin. The method can include pullingthe first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 apart fromeach other to pull the net 26 against a spring force from the netstorage reels 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 and second polearrangement 22 and extend the net 26 therebetween. The method caninclude mounting the extended net 26 above a ground surface byself-supportedly standing the first pole arrangement 20 and a secondpole arrangement 22 on the ground surface. By the term“self-supportedly”, it is meant that the first pole arrangement 20 andsecond pole arrangement 22 can stand upright without being further heldor supported by any other structure. That is, the self-supporting polearrangements 20, 22 need not be embedded within the ground or otherwisemounted to any other holding structure. As such, the first polearrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 are self-supporting andfree of any other support or mounting members.

The method can further include, during the step of mounting, pivotingtrifold leg arrangement 30 of the first pole arrangement 20 into astanding position. The method can include pivoting trifold legarrangement 44 of the second pole arrangement 22 into a standingposition.

The method can further include a step of storing the net 26 in the firstpole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 by releasing lockmechanism 62 in the first pole arrangement 20 and second polearrangement 22 to allow a spring force of winding spring 84 to wind thenet storage reel 24 in each of the first pole arrangement 20 and secondpole arrangement 22 and coil a portion of the net 26 onto each netstorage reel 24.

The method may further include pivoting the trifold let arrangement 30of the first pole arrangement 20 into a storage position, and pivotingthe trifold leg arrangement 44 of the second pole arrangement 22 intothe storage position.

The method may further include, after placing the first and second polearrangements 20, 22 into storage positions, securing the storagepositions with a surrounding tie. This step may also include placingboth first and second pole arrangements 20, 22 into a storage bag havinga length of under 40 inches.

The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be madeusing these principles.

1. A retractable recreational net system for playing badminton, thesystem comprising: (a) a first self-supporting pole arrangementmountable on a ground surface; the first pole arrangement having a firstnet storage reel; (b) a second self-supporting pole arrangementmountable on the ground surface; the second pole arrangement having asecond net storage reel; (c) a net selectively extendable between thefirst pole arrangement and the second pole arrangement; (i) the firstand second pole arrangement holding a top of the net about 5 feet abovethe ground surface; (ii) the net being extendable between the first polearrangement and second pole arrangement to at least 16 feet (iii) thenet having a length between the top of the net and bottom of the net of2-3 feet and (d) at least one retraction mechanism to selectivelyretract the net onto at least one of the first net storage reel orsecond net storage reel.
 2. The net system of claim 1 wherein the atleast one retraction mechanism includes: (a) a first retractionmechanism held by the first pole arrangement; and (b) a secondretraction mechanism held by the second pole arrangement; wherein afirst portion of the net is retractable onto the first net storage reel,and a second portion of the net is retractable onto the second netstorage reel.
 3. The net system of claim 1 wherein the first polearrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement supporting thefirst net storage reel.
 4. The net system of claim 3 further comprisinga first net housing surrounding the first net storage reel.
 5. The netsystem of claim 2 wherein the first retraction mechanism includes afirst spring-biased ratchet arrangement secured to the first net storagereel.
 6. The net system of claim 5 wherein the first spring-biasedratchet arrangement includes a release and locking mechanism in a firstratchet housing adjacent one end of the first net storage reel and aspring in a first spring housing adjacent an opposite end of the firstnet storage reel.
 7. The net system of claim 4 wherein the first tri-podleg arrangement has 3 legs selectively movable between a standingposition and a storage position; the standing position including bottomsof the 3 legs spaced apart and holding the first net storage reel in anupright position above the ground surface; and the storage positionincluding the 3 legs being next to the first net housing along thelengths of the 3 legs.
 8. The net system of claim 6 wherein the firsttri-pod leg arrangement has 3 legs selectively movable between astanding position and a storage position; a top of each of the 3 legs ispivotably secured to one of the ratchet housing and spring housing topivot between the standing position and the storage position.
 9. The netsystem of claim 8 wherein the top of each of the 3 legs is pivotablysecured to the spring housing.
 10. The net system of claim 6 wherein thefirst pole arrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangementsupporting the first net storage reel and wherein: (a) the second polearrangement includes a second tri-pod leg arrangement supporting thesecond net storage reel; (b) the second tri-pod leg arrangement has 3legs selectively movable between a standing position and a storageposition; the standing position including bottoms of the 3 legs spacedapart and holding the second net storage reel in an upright positionabove the ground surface; and the storage position including the 3 legsbeing next to a second net housing surrounding the second net storagereel.
 11. The net system of claims 10 wherein the second retractionmechanism includes a second spring-biased ratchet arrangement secured tothe second net storage reel.
 12. The net system of claim 11 wherein thesecond spring-biased ratchet arrangement includes a release and lockingmechanism in a second ratchet housing adjacent one end of the second netstorage reel and a spring in a second spring housing adjacent anopposite end of the second net storage reel.
 13. (canceled) 14.(canceled)
 15. The net system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the first polearrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement having 3 legsincluding a first outermost radial leg remote from the net beingweighted heavier than the other legs in the first tri-pod legarrangement; and (b) the second pole arrangement includes a secondtri-pod leg arrangement supporting the second net storage reel having 3legs including a second outermost radial leg remote from the net beingweighted heavier than the other legs in the second tri-pod legarrangement.
 16. The net system of claim 1 wherein the firstself-supporting pole arrangement and the second self-supporting polearrangement includes a standing position and a storage position; whereina height of the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements inthe storage position is less than 70% of a height of the first andsecond self-supporting pole arrangements in the standing position.
 17. Akit for playing badminton, the kit comprising: (a) the net system ofclaim 1; (b) at least two badminton rackets; and (c) at least oneshuttle cock. 18.-20. (canceled)